Elmo Puppeteer accuser 'identified'

Reports claim 24-year-old model previously accused Sesame Street star of abusing him before recanting his story

16/11/2012 11:59 AM

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TROUBLES: Sesame Street puppeteer Kevin Clash.

THE MAN who alleged that he had a sexual relationship with the voice of Elmo before recanting his story has reportedly been identified.

According to The Smoking Gun 24-year-old model and actor, Sheldon Stephens, is the man who made the damming allegations against Sesame Street puppeteer Kevin Clash.

The website also reported that Stephens was arrested in 2009 for an alleged $250,000 jewelry robbery, but the charges against him were eventually dropped.

Clash previously admitted to having a relationship with the accuser but only when the he was an adult.

A recent statement released by the lawyer, for the man believed to be Stephens reportedly read: “[The accuser] wants it to be known that his sexual relationship with Mr. Clash was an adult consensual relationship. [The accuser] will have no further comment.”

Clash, who always vehemently denied the allegations, also issued a statement in response: “I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest. I will not discuss it further.”

Sesame Workshop officials also told the website: “In June of this year, Sesame Workshop received a communication from a young man who alleged that he had a relationship with Kevin Clash beginning when he was 16-years-old."

"This was a personal relationship, unrelated to the workplace. We took the allegation very seriously and took immediate action.”

The company continued: "Kevin insists that these allegations are false and defamatory and he has taken actions to protect his reputation. We have granted him a leave of absence to do so."